“It can’t go on” – Bank holiday tourist crowds prompt renewed calls to dual A1 in Northumberland

As temperatures sky-rocketed over the weekend, thousands of visitors headed up the road to popular spots on the coast.

Conservative councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, who represents the Bamburgh ward, said he had never seen the likes of Beadnell and Bamburgh beaches so busy. The influx of tourists has seen renewed calls to dual the A1 north of Morpeth to cope with increasing demand.

Cllr Renner-Thompson said: “The A1 was mental. People were waiting 30 to 40 minutes to get out of some of the junctions.

“I went down to Beadnell beach and there were sun loungers and wind breakers as far as the eye could see. I have never seen it so busy – it was crazy all weekend. In Bamburgh, any square inch of land was taken up by parked cars.

“We need to reverse the decision and dual the A1. The Government needs to recognise how busy it can get here.

“When they do their calculations, it is all based on the population figures, but they need to realise we get huge visitor numbers, particularly on weekends like this. That needs to be factored in.

“Northumberland isn’t a secret anymore.”

Cllr Renner-Thompson added that there was also a significant road safety issue on the road. It comes after three people were killed in a horror crash last week.

He continued: “How do we put a price on road safety? Just because we don’t have the population it doesn’t mean we should be left out.

“This year so far is the worst for accidents I can remember.”

The Government scrapped plans to dual 13 miles of the A1 North of Ellington in October 2024 after deeming it poor value for money. The previous Tory Government had given the plans the green light – but only after calling a general election following numerous delays.

The cost of the scheme was put at over £500 million. National Highways has committed to improving junctions along the single carriageway sections, but council leader Glen Sanderson said this wasn’t enough.

He said: “The road was not designed for the level of traffic we see – it is hopeless to leave things as they are both because of congestion but mainly because of the unacceptable history of accidents. To avoid congestion more vehicles are following their sat navs onto minor roads which causes even more safety issues as well as nuisance for the small villages along the route.

“I’m wanting to remove the party political nonsense and seek leadership from Government. The cost of dualling is high but small once the cost of deaths and injuries are taken into account.

“I think the road just isn’t adequate for today. It is another sign that there’s a misrepresentation about Northumberland, people don’t realise how much Northumberland is booming.

“We have a thriving tourist industry which has doubled in income. It’s not just safety, it’s having an adequate road for an incredibly thriving county.

“The road we have now just doesn’t do us justice or respect.

“Yes, there will be safety schemes but that’s not going to make the difference that’s needed. It’s just not acceptable, it can’t go on.”